Spring Fair
2025-10-12 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Combining four fairs in one!
This year our annual Spring Fair is being supported by 3 gardening groups – Australasian Native Orchid Society, Newcastle Bonsai Society, HRBG Native Plants .Come and celebrate the magic of spring with the colours and scents of the season.
There will also be market stalls (such as: Mahli Moo Designs, Luscious by Lucia, DJ’s Quilts, DVD Haven, Celtic Stag Giftware, Sweetz n Treatz, We’ve Got The Munchies, Clare Makes Candles – to name a few). ABC Jumping Castle ($10), Kiki’s Face painting ($10), Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association, Hunter Bird Observers, Wetlands Centre. Music will be by Jumpin’ Jukebox. Food Van – The Doghouse Grill. Free guided tours of the Gardens, free kid’s craft activities.
Thank you for supporting this fund-raising event for Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, your contribution helps keep us open. All the fun of the fair!
Ticket prices: Adults $10, kids (4- 16) $5, family (2 adults + 2-4 kids) $25, Pensioner $8.
Book your tickets now via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/spring-fair-featuring-orchid-show-bonsai-show-native-plant-fair

November Native Plant Sale
2025-10-24 08:00 - 17:00 | NSW
Come see our new nursery plant stall at our November Native Plant Sale on Saturday 1st November from 9am – 1pm.

2025-11-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Storytime in the Rotunda

Storytime in the Rotunda
2026-01-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Storytime in the Rotunda!
Bring your own cushion to sit on and join our storyteller, Rebecca, for some magical moments. Afterwards, explore our Treasure Trove Trail where everyone can claim a ‘treasure’.
This event is open to all ages, best suited to those 8 years and under, but adults can enjoy the stories, too!
Our cubby house will be open and there may even be some lawn games to play. Explore the beautiful botanic gardens, bring a picnic or buy a snack/lunch at the Kookaburra Cafe.
Note: This gathering takes place in an outdoor site. It is mosquito season. Mozzie spray will be available for use, or you may bring your own.
There is no charge for this workshop, just our usual Gardens entry fee applies – Adults $5, special child price for the day $3 (5 – 16 yrs), family ticket $10 (2 adults + 2-3 children). Children 4 years and under are FREE to attend.

Native Bee Hotel Workshop SOLD OUT
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Native Bees are essential pollinators for many Australian native plants and introduced plants as well. Many are tiny and you have probably never seen them, but they are there.
Join Diane Call from Australian Native Bee Society in this informative workshop. You will learn all about our native bees and their habitat, and what you can do to help protect them, encourage them to visit your garden and provide habitat for them.
Best suited to ages 8 yrs and over.

Drawing in the Gardens Kids Art Workshop - LIMITED SPOTS
2026-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Workshop date #1 – Monday 12th January 2026
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
Drawing aspects of nature is very rewarding. Learn techniques from an expert! Renowned nature artist, Lynda McPherson, will lead this class. After a walk around the Botanic Gardens, you will learn basic drawing techniques to apply what you have seen onto the page.
Best suited to ages and up. All materials supplied.
BONUS: participant’s works will be exhibited in the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens ‘art space’ during the month of February 2026.

Chain Making Workshop
2026-01-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Create your own jewellery!
Participants will be introduced to the art of jewellery-making with expert tuition from Gillian Stewart. Skills you will learn include: using craft pliers with both hands, using craft pliers to hold links, opening and closing links, assembling a bracelet in the ‘double cross-over’ chain maille pattern.
Participants will receive stainless steel links/jump rings, stainless steel wire and a ‘lobster claw’ clasp, as well as a set of craft pliers suitable for jewellery-making. The 125 links are enough to make a bracelet measuring approximately 230mm in length.
This workshop is for kids 10 years and older, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are also welcome to attend as a participant.

Spotlight Walk - SOLD OUT
2026-01-15 20:30 - 22:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Many of Australia’s special animals sleep by day and come out after dark. Who do you think we might see on our walk? Possums, bats, owls and other animals may be around. Let’s see who we can find.
John Simpson from National Parks Association is an experienced wildlife guide and he will be leading this walk.
Meet at 8.30pm, wear long sleeves and insect repellant, wear enclosed shoes. Bring a small torch. (Note: only John’s special wildlife spotlight will be used to find the animals.)
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for all ages but please note that there will be no running allowed and it is a late night walk.

Fantasy Succulent Bowls Workshop - SOLD OUT
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
SOLD OUT
Growing succulents is a great introduction for kids to learn how to look after plants.
Succulents are easy to grow and are fun to arrange in an imaginative way.
Choose your plants, put in the soil and then decorate with dinosaurs, fairies or creepy crawlies.
A fun and educational workshop facilitated by our succulent/bonsai tutor, Ali Abbott.

Drawing in the Gardens
2026-01-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Workshop date #2 – Wednesday 21st January 2026
Drawing aspects of nature is very rewarding. Learn techniques from an expert! Renowned nature artist, Lynda McPherson, will lead this class. After a walk around the Botanic Gardens, you will learn basic drawing techniques to apply what you have seen onto the page.
Best suited to ages 10 years and up. All materials supplied.
BONUS: participant’s works will be exhibited in the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens ‘art space’ during the month of February 2026.

Kid's Art Exhibition Opening
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Native Plant Sale
2026-02-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Grafting Workshop
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Mindfulness Mini-Fair & Exhibition
2026-03-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Be a part of the launch of our new Mindfulness Walk. Discover the healing power of nature at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
The Mindfulness Mini-Fair & Exhibition is part of the celebrations to launch our new Mindfulness Walk at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. The Walk has been designed by counsellor, hypnotherapist and mindfulness coach, Jo Miller, and is designed to allow you to make the most of your walk in the Gardens, mindfully.
There will be stalls relating to mindful practices, readers, food and activities for wellbeing all in the tranquility of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
Come along and enjoy a day for mental health and wellness. Gates open at 9:00am
Items will be added as we get closer to the date.

Painting Gum Leaves Watercolour Workshop with Lauren May
2026-03-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join local artist Lauren May SK for her popular, beginner friendly watercolour class “Painting Gum Leaves”. In this relaxed, nature-inspired workshop we’ll focus on capturing the beauty of the iconic Australian eucalyptus leaf.
All materials are provided. Just bring yourself!
Sunday 15th March, 10-1pm.
$130
For more details and to book your spot please visit www.laurenmaysk.com.au/teaching

Leaf Dot-Painting Workshop
2026-04-08 10:30 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Come along and learn about Aboriginal symbols and the art of dotting with artist Deb Jackson.
Wednesday April 8th
10.30am – 1.00pm
Participants – $25
Accompanying Adults – $5
Limit Places available
All materials included.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/leaf-dot-painting-workshop-faf9lmgt

Cup Cake Decorating Workshop
2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Come along and use your creative skills to decorate some beautiful cupcakes with Maree.
Price reduced to $20 per person
Friday, 10th April from 10.00 – 11.30am.
4 cupcakes and all decorating supplies included.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/cupcake-decorating-workshop-9fqexds8

April Native Plant Sale
2026-04-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our April Native Plant Sale is on Saturday 11th April from 9am – 1pm.

April Grafting Workshop
2026-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Grafting is a marvellous skill to share, allowing others endless possibilities in saving our flora.
Grafting is a very useful method of plant propagation .It is a quick form of propagation for plants to be saved by vegetative propagation which allows for quick turn around. Many plants like fruit trees are grafted and this has been popular for many years. Many Australian ornamentals are grafted especially so that we can have then in our gardens. One the most popular is grafting Grevilleas and we will cover that along with Brachychiton grafting .
Some plants graft very easily like Brachychiton…especially in wintertime. Come along to learn from an expert about what to graft and when! This is designed to be a series of workshops that will progress over time, this first round workshops cover basic skills of grafting like: Why we graft? What we graft onto, Maintenance of rootstocks and plants, Results of grafting and the need for constant trials and research.
You don’t need to know anything or bring tools with you – everything will be provided!
On the day, you will get a ‘kit’ which will include:

2 rootstocks
1 scalpel holder
1 blade
Grafting tape
Fresh cuttings

All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and eagerness to learn!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This is an ADULTS ONLY workshop, suitable for +16yrs, due to the handling of sharp items and the focus needed for the techniques being taught. Purchasing your tickets implies you have read this condition.
Sorry, refunds are not available for this workshop.

2026 Teddy Bear's Picnic
2026-04-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our popular Teddy Bear’s Picnic is on again!
Join us on the Eucalyptus Lawn on Tuesday, 14th April 10am – 2pm.
Entry $5
Family $18 (2 adults + 3 children)
Concession $3
Teddy Bear Parade will be led by The Marching Koalas.
Let’s see just how many teddys we can fit in our Rotunda!
Dress up your bear and yourself – costumes are very much encouraged (kids AND adults – this is a day for FUN!). Spot prizes will be presented.
FREE merry-go-round and face painting.
Stalls:
Camelot Valley Farm, DVD Haven, Mahli Moo Designs, Sami Bayly books, The Crafty Mum 3D, Sweetz ‘n’ Treatz, Handmade by Elizabeth & Karen, Handmade by Annette, Luscious by Lucia, Ella Rose Handmade.
Food:
HRBG fund-rising sausage sizzle, Anne Dunne Gelato (sno cones, candy, fairy floss), The Doghouse Grill, Spiral Spuds, Kookaburra Café. Or bring a picnic.
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/teddy-bear-s-picnic-2026

Native Flower Arranging Workshop
2026-04-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Flower arranging is the art of organizing flowers, foliage, and other natural materials into a visually appealing display. It combines colour, texture, and shape to create a balanced, intentional, and often, themed design.
Join Tracey Johnson from Petals and Halos Florist for a lesson in flower arranging with some of our amazing native plants.
You will learn the basics of making a beautiful arrangement. Suitable for adults and children 7 years and over.
Friday 17th April 10.00 – 12.00
$30 participants
$5 accompanying adults
Book Now https://events.humanitix.com/flower-arranging-workshop-uuhqhkxq

Mother's Day
2026-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Our annual Mother’s Day Picnic is on again! Be entertained by music from Jumpin’ Jukebox. Don’t forget to collect your free plant – one for every mum. Enjoy one of our famous scones or cupcakes from the Scone Stall. This year we have card readings available from Deb Jackson. There will be a kid’s craft stall to make a gift for mum.
Bring a picnic (you may book a table in advance if you like). Have a snack and a coffee at the Kookaburra Café. Or pre-order your grazing box supplied by Feast & Foliage (bookings for platters will close at 1pm on 8th May).
Enjoy the tranquillity of the Gardens – make sure you make time for a walk, listen to the birds! A day out of your busy life to enjoy the company of family in beautiful surroundings.
Book here to get your tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/mother-s-day-picnic

Propagation Workshop
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join our gardening experts, Helen Howard and Mark Abell, for this educational and fun workshop. Learn about the basics of propagating plants effectively and productively.
All plants and materials supplied. Best suited to adults, children over 12 years welcome.
Click here to book tickets now
https://console.humanitix.com/console/events/69d83e5fafcfdccae1edad95/page-content

Botanic Gardens Day (Aust/NZ) and 40th Anniversary Event - FREE ENTRY
2026-05-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 40th anniversary so Botanic Gardens Day (Aust/NZ) is extra special for us this year! Our Art Space Gallery has many of our archival photos on display. There will be an official address commencing at 11.00am in the Environment Pavilion with original members of the Gardens who began it all 40 years ago sharing their stories.
We have a range of special talks on throughout the day. Topics covered are Bonsai, succulents, orchids, native ponds, grevilleas, rainforests, bush foods, birds and bees – they all have a story here at the Gardens, so stay for the day and don’t miss out on anything!
Botanic Gardens are so much more than just a park with trees. Our Gardens are run entirely by volunteers who put all their passion and knowledge into the choosing and growing of the plants here on display. Scientific research is part of the Gardens, too, and there are limited tours available to our herbarium on the day (usually closed to the public).
In conjunction with Botanic Gardens Australia, there is a Grow Your Health Challenge with some great prizes to be won and it ties in very nicely with our new Mindfulness Walk that was launched here at the Gardens in March this year. This will help you make the most out of your experience.
You will be entertained by our wandering minstrels, food will be available at our sausage sizzle, Kookaburra Cafe and scone stall, or bring a picnic.
Take home a plant, join Hunter Region Botanic Gardens as a member, or sign up as a volunteer.
This is a FREE event but donations are very welcome. (Did you know the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is not Council-run and receives no on-going government funding? We rely on our entry fees and event days to raise funds to keep us going. Donations, sponsorship and bequests are gratefully received. Ask today how you can help Grow our Gardens.)
We value the support our community has given us for the past 40 years. Let’s celebrate together!
Click here to book your FREE Tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/botanic-gardens-day-aust-nz-and-40th-anniversary

Plant Stall
2026-06-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia

Storytime in the Rotunda
2026-06-26 10:00 - 10:45 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Join us as we read some wonderful books by Australian Authors about our native animals and plants. Followed by a garden adventure.
Bring along a pillow to sit on and a snack to eat.
Usual Garden entry fees apply. Stories and activities are aimed at kids 6 and under.
Book now via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/storytime-in-the-rotunda-for-little-ones

Plant Stall
2026-07-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Come along for our July Plant Sale on the 7th July from 9am till 1pm.
Our nursery manager, Helen, will be onsite to answer any question.

Children's Discovery Day
2026-07-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Lots of interactive stalls where kids can learn more about the amazing nature around us.
Nature crafts, bird activities with Hunter Bird Observers, bee activities with HV Amateur Beekeepers Association, activities with Hunter Wetlands group, planting activities and much more.
There will also be market stalls, sausage sizzle, free jumping castle, entertainment by Hunter School of Performing Arts band.
This event is sponsored by Hunter Innovation & Science Hub.
Entry Prices:
Family $25 (2 Adults and 2-3 chuldren)
Children $5 (5-16yrs)
Adults $10
Concession $5
Bookings via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/children-s-discovery-day-2026

Painting Roses Watercolour Workshop
2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00 | NSW
Lauren May will be holding a watercolour workshop at the Gardens on 11th July from 10-3pm.
Click the link for details and booking.
https://www.laurenmaysk.com.au/service-page/watercolour-workshop-painting-roses

Kids Native Bee Hotel Workshop
2026-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, 2100 Pacific Hwy, Heatherbrae, NSW, 2324, Australia
Learn about our amazing Native Bees and build your own Bee Hotel in a can for your garden in this educational and hands on workshop. Learn about our amazing Native Bees and build your own Bee Hotel in a can for your garden in this educational and hands on workshop.
Ages 8 and over
Participant $15 each
Accompanying Adult $5 each
Bookings via Humanitix
https://events.humanitix.com/kids-native-bee-workshop
